Introduction

Immigration, or more accurately migration across national borders, is not a new phenomenon. For centuries, individuals and groups have intentionally, and sometimes unwillingly, left their homes to move to another place. When intentional, their goal has always been to seek a better life for themselves and their families. This remains the goal of migration today. Global migration can lead to diversity, innovation, and renewal in the receiving country, but it is too often accompanied by social conflict. What has not changed is the fact that strangers to a new land are often not welcomed. But there are also instances in which the need for labor or social purposessuch as in the case of refugee groups-provide a welcoming policy context that can facilitate the integration of immigrants into a receiving country. Unfortunately, suspicion and discrimination against newcomers coexist with such policies.